Wozu Rechtsvergleichung heute?

Abstract

This contribution is the text of a speech that was delivered by the author at the celebration of the 30^th anniversary of the German-Japanese Association of Jurists (DJJV) in Hamburg on 8 June 2018. It addresses the task of comparative law, using examples to illustrate the tension that exists between universal norms and country-specific cultural influences. From this perspective, a sensible approach to comparative law always understands it as one component of a broader comprehensive comparison of societies. Its aim is to enable observers to gain a better understanding of their own law and the specific society in which it is embedded.

(The Editors)